D’Tigress vow to bounce back after South Korea defeat

Posted : 06 September 2026

Nigeria’s D’Tigress will look to revive their 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup campaign when they face Hungary following an 81-99 defeat to South Korea in their opening Group B game in Berlin, Germany.

The African champions were made to pay for defensive lapses against a well-organised South Korean side, which moved the ball effectively and converted its scoring opportunities with impressive efficiency.

South Korea recorded 32 assists, while shooting 54 per cent from two-point range and 50 per cent from beyond the arc, numbers that underlined Nigeria’s struggles to contain their opponents.

D’Tigress captain Amy Okonkwo acknowledged the difficulty of dealing with South Korea’s movement and shooting but insisted the defeat would not affect the team’s confidence.

“Today was a tough game. South Korea is a really good team. They move the ball a lot, they shoot a lot, and today we just weren't able to stop them in that regard,” Okonkwo said.

Head coach Rena Wakama also identified defence as the major area requiring immediate improvement, while expressing confidence that her players can respond against Hungary.

“We knew our challenge today was going to be defensive. But we'll bounce back. I'm not worried at all. I know who I have in my locker room, and I know we have enough,” Wakama said.

The coach's concern extends beyond simply winning the next game, as she stressed the importance of every possession and point difference in a tournament where final group standings can be influenced by points differential.

D’Tigress will therefore need to combine greater defensive discipline with improved communication and efficiency at both ends of the court when they face Hungary.

Wakama said South Korea's performance was not unexpected, having previously faced the Asian side and observed their preparations. She described them as disciplined and highly connected, qualities Nigeria struggled to match for extended periods.

For Okonkwo, however, the opening-day setback is only one chapter of the tournament, with the captain drawing confidence from Nigeria’s impressive showing at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

“I believe in this team with my whole heart. I think in 2024, that was just a glimpse of what we're capable of. I think there is no ceiling for us,” she said.

The Nigerian captain added that the team remains united and ready to fight for a positive response in its next outing.

The Hungary encounter consequently assumes greater importance for the African champions, who will be keen to avoid another slow start and put their first points on the board.

With the opening defeat now behind them, Wakama's charges must quickly address their defensive shortcomings while maintaining the belief and fighting spirit that have characterised their recent major international campaigns.

For D’Tigress, the match presents an immediate opportunity to demonstrate that the loss to South Korea was a setback rather than a defeat that defines their World Cup campaign.

D’Tigress vow to bounce back after South Korea defeat

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